The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Young builders create swanky new bug hotel for dementia garden
Completion was delayed by pandemic problems which caused chaos across the construction industry, but the swishest new hotel in Angus is now open for business.
And tiny residents have the youngsters of Webster’s High School to thank for being the snuggest bugs in town.
The Prince’s Trust group at the Kirriemuir secondary have built a spectacular bug hotel in the grounds of the town’s dementia garden.
And pupils were joined by members of Kirrie Connections for an event to herald the successful project.
Amanda Mailley of the ASN department at Webster’s High said it has been a real team effort.
“The Prince’s Trust group did this as part of their community project with Kirrie Connections,” said Amanda.
“It actually started preCovid, so it’s been delayed a bit, but the pupils have done a really fantastic job.”
And she hailed the level of community support for the project.
Guild Homes, slater David Simpson, plumber David Elder and Logie Sawmill all helped out.
“I’d come in to school and there would be piles of materials waiting there for us – people were just dropping things off when they found out what we were doing,” said Amanda.
Pupils built the whole thing and laser-cut intricate parts of the bug hotel.
And they replicated the designs on keyrings which are on sale at the Murton Trust nature reserve near Forfar. It is part of a drive by the Prince’s Trust group to fundraise for three charities: Forfar Foodbank, Network for Animals and The Aegis Trust.
“It’s been a great project for all of those involved,” said Amanda.
“They put letters out asking for support and were quite often speaking directly to the folk who have been such a great help with it.”
And the experience has been a rewarding one for the group.
The hands-on element of the job was 15-year-old Shane Gall’s favourite part.
“I liked the construction of it and learned new skills like slating,” he said.
And 17-year-old Gregor McIntosh said he is sure it will be a welcome addition to the dementia garden.
“We all put a lot of time and effort into this, so we are really pleased with it,” added the sixth-year pupil.
“It’s quite a big bug hotel, but it had to be aesthetically pleasing, as well. It’s a bit of a centre point in that part of the garden, so the team is really happy with the way it’s turned out.”
Graham Galloway of Kirrie Connections said it will be another asset in the popular garden.
“The pandemic meant it’s taken a little while to get here, but the end result is absolutely fantastic,” he said.